This spring, Rep. Grijalva introduced the Arizona Sonoran Desert Heritage Act of 2013. It would protect roughly 954,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat and recreation areas west of Phoenix. The legislation would preserve important wildlife and recreation areas, safeguard the viability of Luke Air Force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, and protect environmental amenities to boost economic opportunities for West Valley cities and towns. [B-roll video clips available for download here.]

The Congressman also played an integral role in creating a permanent National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), the most innovative American land system created in the last 40 years, within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Last Congress, Rep. Grijalva championed the efforts to protect the Grand Canyon from the threat of expanded uranium mining. He also has stood up against H.R. 1505, a bill that would put at risk 49 million acres of public lands within 100 miles of the Mexican and Canadian borders. Further, he is a proponent of expanding Saguaro National Park and retaining the ecological integrity of the Santa Rita Mountains outside Tucson.

In the heart of Great Outdoors Month, GO America Week brought outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate America’s great outdoors, and let Congress and President Obama and his administration know that protecting America’s great outdoors is our priority. The advocates included high school students and adults, active members of the military and veterans, conservationists and business leaders, hunters and anglers, and bikers and boaters.

Several Arizonans traveled to the nation’s capital to participate: AWC, SI and TWS staff met with congressional delegation offices regarding the Arizona Sonoran Desert Heritage effort and responsible renewable energy development in Arizona.

“The Arizona Wilderness Coalition, the Sonoran Institute, The Wilderness Society, and the many Arizonans we represent are thankful for Rep. Raúl Grijalva’s continued commitment to Arizona’s people, land, and wildlife,” says Mike Quigley, with The Wilderness Society in Tucson. “Rep. Grijalva has been and remains a tireless champion of America’s great outdoors—working to make sure that all our lands and waters are protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Great Outdoors America Week offered an opportunity for advocates to take direct action on a number of conservation issues, ranging from wilderness and national monument protection to reconnecting inner-city kids to the great outdoors. Great Outdoors America Week serves as another example of the long-standing, bipartisan tradition of conservation in the United States.

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Photo: The award--with the feature photograph from the Sonoran Desert by AZ-based photographer Elias Butler--was given to Rep. Raul Grijalva at a reception in D.C. honoring congressional champions from around the country. Left to right, Mike Quigley (TWS-Tucson), Rep. Grijavla, Phil Hanceford and Nada Culver (TWS BLM Action Center-Denver). Courtesy Ian Dowdy.